Trunk or Treat

African elephants are the largest mammal living on land in the earth!They are larger than their counterpart, the Asian elephants, especially in the ears, which weigh as much as 100 pounds!Both male & female African elephants have tusks,however, only the male Asian elephants have tusks.Tusks are used primarily for finding food & digging, however , they also are used as weapons in protecting their young or battling for a mate!

My favorite song is "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands"!

  An elephant's trunk is an essential tool it uses for touching, smelling, drinking, & sensing the shape, size, & temperature of an object. Trunks are made of an estimated 100,000  muscles & are flexible enough to be used for :taking baths, fighting off predators,& finding food. Their trunk is up to 2 meters long  & also assists the elephant in gathering up to 300 lbs. of food. This includes a variety of roots, fruit, grasses, & bark gathered on any single day! Elephants are vegetarians!

 My trunk is like my right arm!(even though I don't have one)

 Female elephants, or cows, live in family herds with their young, & are led by a dominant female known as a matriarch.Adult males tend to prefer roaming as loners. For an elephant, raising a family requires a serious commitment! Elephants are pregnant for about 22 months,longer than any other mammal!And how would ewe like to deliver a 200 lb. baby? OUCH! They begin giving birth at twelve years of age  & have a calf every 2-4 years. They live up to 70 yrs.of age!

Ewe wouldn't think I weighed 200 lbs. at birth, being so cute & all !

Mud baths are so helpful for protecting our sensitive skin !

Elephants have a natural cooling system, located in their ears! Blood is circulated throughout the ear in a complicated system of blood vessels.Keeping cool in the African climate is essential for survival! Elephants need to drink over 200 liters of water daily! Elephants also keep cool by swimming & using their trunk as a snorkel in deeper water.Finally,the rumor  has it that elephants don't forget!

I bet ewe didn't know that besides being intelligent, that I'm also very creative!

Sheep are similar to elephants in that they herd & follow a dominant ewe.They also eat grass, however, they are able to digest more of their food than the elephant! Sheep also face similar predators as the elephant. Coyotes & wolves also try to attack the old & the weak! One stark contrast that sheep & elephants have is
that sheep have a Shepherd to lead  them while elephants don't!

 I just want to be a sheep, Baa ! Baa!

As Ewe celebrate life today, allow the goodness & love of the Good Shepherd to lift Ewe above the fray! Enjoy His provision for Ewe today & everyday!
"Bless the Lord Oh my soul & forget not all His benefits;Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,"Ps. 103:2,3

How much Wood can a Woodchuck Chuck?

Chuck or "Little Pig" was the name designated for a Woodchuck by our early English settlers when they first encountered the Woodchuck. It was, in their eyes, an appropriate name based on outward appearances. Upon closer examination, nothing could be further from the truth! The Woodchuck could be considered an "undercover agent", sporting many aliases, such as groundhog, varmint, house cleaner of the year, earth moving machine, & marmot! Ewe will have to pick which name fits!



Call me any name that ewe like, but just don't call me late for a veggie dinner!

 Fastidious & orderly best describe this rodent, which weighs up to ten lbs. & is a member of the large ground squirrel family called marmots. Equipped with long, powerful claws, woodchucks are able to move massive amounts of dirt in a relatively short period of time. One biologist measured one woodchuck den to contain 700 lbs. of dirt! Now that's "Moving"!



Un -be-"leaf"- able! Can't a guy get a little privacy while eating? 

 Woodchucks are really a blast, targeting any dirt on their bodies very carefully! They are real "Clean Freaks" when it comes to personal grooming & housekeeping. They even are distinguished in the animal world regarding their elimination of waste called excrement. Woodchucks bury waste in 2-3 inches of dirt, some distance from their den. Then they will use their head to pound the dirt down, to ensure that it will not be disturbed! Licking their paws  & removing burrs & dirt from their fur is also a daily ritual!

Don't even think about it! Ewe come any closer to my den & it's Hasta La Vista!

Woodchucks construct their burrows with great care & foresight!Built on the side of a hill to avoid flooding, the den consists of a host of tunnels, designed to include sleeping & brooding chambers, an excrement chamber, & separate dens for each of its "chucklings", the name for their young. It also constructs its burrow with two exits to outwit its predators like the fox, wolf,

bobcat, or bear. Woodchucks also communicate with a shrill whistle followed by a "chuck, chuck"! Woodchucks hibernate as well as  "forecast" weather in a "shadowy" kind of way! 



Are Ewe Ready for some of This?


Sheep unfortunately are sometimes misjudged by their outward appearance, & don't take the same approach to personal grooming as the woodchuck! Sheep heavily rely upon their Shepherd to examine them for any unnecessary items they may have acquired in their wool. He is the one who ultimately decides whether or not it's time for a haircut or a bath!

Don't ewe try to pull the wool over my eyes! Has anybody seen my hairdresser?

As Ewe think about  how the Good Shepherd washes Ewe today with the water of His Word,  why not give thanks!  His watchful eye is zoomed in on all the minute details of Ewe-r life! Not to fret!

"Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." Ps. 51:7

I JUST PREDICTED 6 MORE WEEKS of WINTER!



A Whistling Swan

The Whistling Swan is one of the largest waterfowls to fly & is  an excellent example of Initiative! Smaller than the Trumpeter swan, it is a migratory bird that weighs as much as 16 pounds & has a wing span of 83 inches! It migrates to North Carolina & the Chesapeake Bay region to winter,then flying back to Alaska & Canada for the breeding season. Upon arrival, it will build a nest for 4-7 cream-colored eggs on a grassy mound by a lake. Once  hatched,the young swans are called cygnets.Adult males are known as cobs & will vigorously defend their brood with their strong, bony wings.

Why , did ewe know that I can whistle, "Way Down upon the Swannee River"?

The swan is very majestic & graceful in flight & beautiful to behold! Swans fly in groups as large as 500 in number & at heights that range from 6000 feet to 27,000 feet! Swans fly in a V-formation which enables the flock to successfully migrate.Swans must rely on the lead swan take the initiative &  to absorb the pressure for the remainder of the flock. By rotating leaders throughout the flight, swans are able to reach speeds of up to 100 mph!

Ewe think ewe have pressure in ewe-r life? Want to trade places for a day?

By flying in a V- formation, it has been estimated that 25 swans are able to travel 75 percent farther than one swan flying solo! The moral of the story is: Teamwork & Cooperation will get ewe places much faster than trying to fly there alone!

I hope we don't get a speeding ticket! Ewe just hit 100 mph!

 Sheep travel in herds which offer them some temporary, yet fragile safety.They follow the dominant ewe, afraid of the consequences without the Shepherd  being visibly present.When the Shepherd is in their midst, sheep will follow the path He puts before them. Sheep instinctively know that the Shepherd will be the leader who will absorb the pressure for them.

Ewe better stay close to the path,especially in the dark! Ewe know what's out there! 

The Good Shepherd has taken the lead in Ewe-r life today in order to absorb the pressure of the day! That thought should not only  put Ewe at ease, but also put a smile on Ewe-r face!


"Do not fear little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."Lk.12:32

Chip-munk-"keys"!

The Chipmunk is the smallest member of the squirrel family.Chipmunks seem to be the best dressed of the species, sporting a "Striped" suit & a thoroughly adorable face! Chipmunks possess phenomenal energy & are remarkable managers of their environment. The name Chipmunk, or Tamias, means "one who lays up stores". Hard work & perseverence characterize their preparations for the winter, allowing them to gather an adequate  food supply for themselves & their family. 

Ewe may think I'm nuts, but I work very hard at being adorable!

 Chipmunks have an exceptional sense of smell that aids them in finding food in the spring, summer, & early fall.They labor from dawn to dusk ,frantically gathering seeds, nuts, & kernels which they will store in an elaborate system of underground tunnels & chambers! This burrow, consisting of a bedroom,toilet, listening post, & storage bins,  serves as their refuge in the winter. Here,they will sleep often, only waking to eat!



Are Ewe Nuts?"These Cheeks are made for Storing, & that's just what they'll do"!

 Chipmunks are true "barbershoppers"! They love to sing  a "Kuk-Kuk" song to their potential mate from the burrow's entrance! The female's response must be positive for him to enter, complying with proper dating rules. Mating will lead to a litter of 3-5 hairless, blind babies, which are nursed until able to eat seeds on their own.

 

Can ewe keep a secret? Did ewe know that I rub noses as a gesture of affection?




Sheep are very different from Chipmunks! First, they are unable to tirelessly work at gathering food in preparation for winter. Second, sheep do not construct & supply  underground dwellings. Finally, sheep need help from an outside source,while chipmunks work independently! Bottom line is that sheep need a Shepherd to do  things for them that they can't do for themselves!

  

Ewe know we all "Need Someone to Lean on!

 

While grazing today in the pasture the Good Shepherd has prepared, rejoice that Ewe have Someone to Lean on who is far bigger than any situation Ewe will face! 

 

 "Fear not for I am with you; Be not dismayed,for I am your God.I will strengthen you,Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Is.41:10

Sly as a Fox!

 Crafty & sly best describe the Red Fox, which is the fox species we're most acquainted with in North America. Born with a very shy & tentative nature, kits, as baby foxes are called, need to be rigorously trained by their parents in what is or isn't dangerous.  Females, or vixen, give birth to 2-12 kits in the spring & procede to train them in the "Tricks of the Trade". These "Tricks"  will help them to survive up to twelve years in the wild.

Does the song"Ewe ain't Nothing but a Hound Dog,Crying all the Time" ring a bell?

The first trick they must learn is to become thoroughly acquainted with the two to five mile terrain that they live in. Kits must know every minute detail, every body of water, & every potential hiding spot that will enhance their chances of losing their pursuer! The Red Fox's  ability to move at speeds of up to 26 mph will assist it in evading a much slower pack of dogs. Ewe might say that  it relishes the chase,especially on its own familiar turf !



I absolutely love "out-foxing" hounds! Have ewe seen "The Fox & the Hound"?

The Red Fox is extremely resourceful, using its natural intelligence, cunning, experience, & a bagful of additional "Tricks", to outwit a pack of hounds with relative ease! First, it keeps a safe distance & moves in a circular two to three mile track ,observing the pack from a distance while refreshing iself. Next, it will use an "oldie,but a goodie", as it wades in shallow water to lose the scent & quickly leaps high onto the bank,undetected! Third, it will run through a cow pasture helping to mix its scent with the cow & its manure,thus confusing their trail. Finally, in winter ,the light-footed  fox will cleverly lure the heavier hounds onto thin ice & smugly watch them fall in !

What can I say,Foxes Rule & Dogs Drool!

 Shepherds, just as foxes, must  learn to be resourceful, especially in caring for their sheep! The flock is clueless about diet, boundaries, & safety without the Shepherd guiding them. A resourceful Shepherd must address these basic needs in order for the sheep to not only survive, but also thrive!

Ewe certainly consume resources quickly .Ewe must be teenagers!

 As Ewe enjoy the Fall weather, consider the resources at the disposal of the Good Shepherd.Whatever Ewe-r need may be physically, spiritually, or emotionally, it's no match for Ewe-r capable Shepherd!


"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want." Ps. 23:1

Skunked on Defense!

 The Striped Skunk is the most common skunk in North America, Like all skunks,they have a natural defense system. Equipped with two glands at the base of their tail,they are able to defend themselves against most predators. After giving an intruder ample warning, a skunk is able to spray a sulphuric-smelling musk,which aimed accurately,is able to cause intense pain & temporary blindness! Skunk musk is also oily & extremely difficult to remove.This natural defense system enables the skunk to  ward off with confidence most who dare to challenge them!

Yipes! Stripes! Beware! Don't make me lift my hind legs!

Pardon me, but I must go to see my Den Mother!

Striped Skunks are very friendly & have a docile disposition which makes them excellent pets.Skunks are nocturnal hunters and eat a varied diet of mostly insects, small mammals, carrion, and some vegetation.They are a real asset to farmers,who appreciate having
rats,shrews,mice,squash bugs,potato bugs, & grasshoppers eaten ! 



Ewe are un-"Bear"-able! Don't come any closer or I'll have to Shoot!

At birth, baby striped skunks are blind, deaf, and quite immature.Skunk kittens are able to spray as the early age of eight days, which is sixteen days before they can see! They have a very accurate aim when they can see, & their spray can shoot up to sixteen feet away! They nurse for about 6-8 weeks in the mother's den before being  weaned. Then the young accompany the mother about a year,finally breaking from the family after reaching adult size.


I bet ewe didn't know that we were real "Stinkers" growing up!

Sheep are as defenseless as skunks , only they lack the skunk's natural defense system! Instead, they are blessed with a Shepherd who acts as their Defense system! He protects & watches over them, using his rod & staff vigorously on their behalf! Sheep also may graze confidently, knowing they are in the good hands of the Shepherd! 
. 

Ewe don't have a thing to Fear! I'm right here!

As Ewe reflect on the Good Shepherd's care today, procede confidently, knowing that He is Ewe-r Supernatural Defense System!


"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us,who can be against us."Romans 8:31

"Otter"ly Playful !

The River Otter is the most entertaining & carefree member of the weasel family. It is able to turn ordinary routine tasks into exciting adventures! Averaging thirty lbs. & three ft. in length,this joyful mammal is an expert swimmer as well as an excellent parent !


Ok,I'll admit it! I like to have Fun!Ewe got a problem with that?



Swimming is one skill the Otter is quite proficient at! Able to ease undetected to within eighteen inches of a fish , it arches back & lunges forward to catch the fish.The Otter's diet also includes turtles,crabs,snails,eels,frogs,snakes, & their favorite dish of crayfish! Often,the Otter turns hunting for food into a game,catching a fish & just playing with it before releasing it.

Ewe heard me correctly! I said that I Love Life & don't complain!

 The Otter family stays together for about a year,living in a "holt" or den, which is an underground tunnel leading to water.During that time, they will train their two or three pups the basics of survival.Pups are initially afraid of water, however, the parents patiently teach them in a step by step fashion.They play on land & eventually will ride their parent's backs into the water.When the time is right ,the parents slip out from under them, helping the pups see that they are buoyant & their fears immediately flee away!

"When it's cold outside,I've got the month of May!"

 Sheep have the most fun when frolicking in the pasture ,in the presence of their Shepherd. The contentment they display is similar to the fun the Otter has in just going about its daily business.They are doing what God created them to do & enjoying it to the fullest!




I Love being a Kid!Life is Good!

Live ewe-r life today with the "zest" of an Otter & the "contentment" of a Lamb, aware that His presence makes all the difference in ewe-r world!



"I have come that they may have life, & that they may have it more abundantly."John 10:10